IN MEMORIAM Robert W. Mathews, son of University of Minnesota Program of Mortuary Science Professor Michael Mathews, age 52, of Noblesville, passed away on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Riverview Health in Noblesville. He was born on August 16, 1968, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Rob grew up in Mounds View, MN, where he met his wife, Jenni. He worked as an aircraft dispatcher. Rob enjoyed watching hockey, especially the Indiana Fuel, watching football, especially the Minnesota Vikings, and going fishing and camping. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. Rob is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jenni Mathews; mother, Elizabeth (Wheatley) Eckert; father, Michael Mathews; son, Colton Mathews; and grandson, Parker Mathews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Scott Mathews. Services were held Sunday, July 11, 2021, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Noblesville. The Mathews Family has entrusted Randall & Roberts Funeral Home with Rob’s care. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 20650 Cumberland Road, Noblesville, IN 46060. Condolences: www.randallroberts.com Delores “Dee”, Mary Arnold, mother of Minnesota Funeral Director Mark Arnold, age 87 of Bloomington, Minnesota. Born August 26, 1933 and died July 6, 2021. A woman of noble character, shaped by humbleness, determined through convictions, and her value found in her family. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio to Carmen and Mary Lombardi, she was the youngest, “the baby”, in the Lombardi family. Her Italian heritage afforded her rich memories through her childhood and built the foundation of her love for authentic Italian cooking and baking, entertaining, gardening, 22 MFDA Bulletin • FALL 2021
and creating art. Her friendly nature and attraction to shyness led her to a man who caught her discerning eye, Dean Arnold. The spark ignited and the eventual flame drew them together and shortly to marry on November 24, 1951. Through the following years they grew a family with three children, Dean, Cheryl, and then later they had Mark. Minneapolis became the city where they would settle and build strong family roots. Family was her pride, nurturing and encouraging the importance of love, traditions, and faith. Her love of God enveloped her life, a source of affirmation and often inspired her to share her convictions and testimony with acquaintances and friends. A true godly warrior. Her dedication to marriage blessed her with 70 beautiful years with her “teenage crush”, Dean Arnold who she is now reunited with and wrapped in his loving arms. She will be deeply missed by her children that were the twinkle in her eye, Dean Arnold (Nora), Cheryl (Arnold) Rue (Wade), and Mark; her grandchildren that were her joy, Laura Montiel (Lorenzo), Dean R. (Courtney), Melody and Nolan Arnold; Kymberli (Rue) Kuehn (Dan), Jennifer (Alex), Deanna, and Angela Aldrich (Joshua); Elizabeth Morris (Joe), Hilary, and Olivia; her great grandchildren that were her spark of youth, Tristan, Ava, Adelyn, Dean; Samantha (Luke), Sophia, Caleb, Michael, Gabriel, Jayden; Nicholas and Teddy, and her big sister that was her partner in crime, Angeline Bigler. Preceded in death by grandson, Jeffery Arnold Rue. A world of gratitude to Fairview Accent Hospice, and the Grace A Home Team who gave her dignified and compassionate care during her going home journey. A celebration of her life and faith was held July 13, 2021, at the Lakewood Chapel in Minneapolis. Visitation was held July 12 at the David Lee Chapel in Wayzata. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the funeral home website. Memorials may be directed to donor’s choice. “She brings good, all the days of her life.”
Richard “Pat” Collins, Minnesota Funeral Director, passed away Sunday morning, July 11, 2021, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Pat was born March 23, 1946, in Thief River Falls, MN to Charles and Bernadine (Reinke) Collins. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Middle River, MN. He attended Middle River School graduating in 1964 and then attended The University of North Dakota, “fighting Sioux”, and the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, MN, “Golden Gophers”, graduating with a degree in Mortuary Science in 1967, following in his father’s footsteps. On June 24, 1967, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Nelson at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, of Greenbush, MN. The couple immediately moved into a house in Karlstad that was connected to the recently purchased Kloempken Funeral Home and they started a 24-hr. ambulance service at the same location. He also became a PRIM– Professional Rescue Instructor for Minnesota, and he along with several teams, trained numerous ambulance squads throughout the state. In August of 1972, Pat organized “Karlstad Rescue Squad” and continued operating ambulance service until 1975 when the service was turned over to the newly organized Tri County EMS District, which he was also instrumental in organizing. Pat was an “Adrenalin junky” and loved his 39 years as a member of Karlstad Fire Department as well as his years in ambulance. And of course, that held true for his love of motorcycles and the ride. He loved hunting and spending time at the ‘hunting shack’ with his kids and friends, the fishing trips with his grandpa as a boy, and most of all… just sitting around and telling stories. Shawn told him that everyone should only be allowed so many words a day, and he’d have his used up by noon. His interest in radios and electronics led him into HAM radio and had been licensed around 45 years and has spent countless hours unwinding and chatting around the world, including the space shuttle Columbia in orbit.
